Standard UK rug sizes and what size rug you need
The right size matters more than colour, pattern or price. Use this guide to choose a rug that fits your furniture, not just your floor.
Standard UK rug sizes
UK rugs are sold in centimetres. These are the sizes you will see most often, including on Rug Kingdom, with approximate imperial equivalents. Makers vary slightly (for example 160 x 213 cm or 200 x 275 cm), so always check the exact size on the product page.
| Size (cm) | Approx. feet | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 60 x 90 | 2ft x 3ft | Doorway, bathroom, bedside |
| 80 x 150 | 2ft 7in x 4ft 11in | Bedside, small hall, in front of a chair |
| 66-80 x 200-240 | 2ft 2in-2ft 7in x 6ft 7in-7ft 10in | Hallway or kitchen runner |
| 120 x 170 | 3ft 11in x 5ft 7in | Small living room, beside a bed, study |
| 160 x 230 | 5ft 3in x 7ft 7in | Most living rooms, four-seat dining, under a double bed (the UK "5 x 8") |
| 200 x 290 / 200 x 300 | 6ft 7in x 9ft 6in / 9ft 10in | Large living room, corner sofa, six to eight seat dining, king bed |
| 240 x 340 | 7ft 10in x 11ft 2in | Open-plan rooms, large seating groups |
Need a conversion for a size not shown? See our rug sizes in cm and feet chart.
Three rules that work in every room
- Size to the furniture, not the room. A rug defines a zone (seating, dining, sleeping). Measure that zone.
- Leave a border of floor. In most rooms, 30 to 60 cm of floor showing around the rug looks right. In a small room, 20 cm is fine.
- If in doubt, go bigger. A rug that is too small makes furniture look as if it is floating and the room look smaller.
Living room rug size
There are three standard layouts:
- All legs on: every piece of seating sits fully on the rug. Luxurious, best in larger rooms. Usually 200 x 290 cm or bigger.
- Front legs on: the front legs of the sofa and chairs sit on the rug and the back legs on the floor. The most popular layout in UK homes, and it works with 160 x 230 cm in most rooms.
- Free-floating: the rug sits in front of the sofa, under the coffee table only. Use this only in very small rooms, and keep the rug at least as wide as the sofa minus 30 cm.
As a check, the rug should be about 15 to 30 cm wider than the sofa at each end. A 220 cm three-seater therefore suits a rug at least 250 cm long, so 160 x 230 cm turned lengthways is a little short and 200 x 290 cm fits better. More in how to choose a living room rug.
Bedroom rug size
| UK bed | Mattress | Rug under the bed |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 x 190 cm | 120 x 170 cm |
| Small double | 120 x 190 cm | 160 x 230 cm |
| Double | 135 x 190 cm | 160 x 230 cm |
| King | 150 x 200 cm | 160 x 230 cm (snug) or 200 x 290 cm |
| Super king | 180 x 200 cm | 200 x 290 cm or 240 x 340 cm |
Lay the rug sideways under the lower two-thirds of the bed, stopping short of the bedside tables. Alternatively place a runner or an 80 x 150 cm rug each side of the bed. See the bedroom rug guide.
Dining room rug size
Add 120 cm to the length and width of the table (60 cm each side) so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out. A 160 x 90 cm table needs at least 280 x 210 cm, so choose 200 x 290 cm or larger. Full details in rugs under a dining table.
Hallway runner size
Choose a runner 20 to 30 cm narrower than the hall, and leave 15 to 30 cm at each end. Our runner size guide has a full table.
How to check before you buy
Mark the rug outline on the floor with masking tape, or lay out sheets of newspaper, and live with it for a day. Walk round it, pull out a chair, open the door. It is the most reliable test there is, and our measuring guide walks you through it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common rug size in the UK?
160 x 230 cm is the most popular living room size. 120 x 170 cm and 200 x 290 cm are the next most common.
Is it better to have a rug too big or too small?
Too big, within reason. A rug that is too small makes furniture float and a room look smaller. Just leave a border of floor showing.
What size rug is 5 x 8 in cm?
5 x 8 ft is about 152 x 244 cm. The nearest UK standard size is 160 x 230 cm.
What size rug goes under a king size bed?
In the UK, 200 x 290 cm gives a generous border; 160 x 230 cm works in a smaller room, laid sideways under the lower two-thirds.
What are the standard rug sizes in the UK?
The most common sizes are 60 x 90, 80 x 150, 120 x 170, 160 x 230, 200 x 290 and 240 x 340 cm, plus runners of about 66–80 cm wide.
What is a standard area rug size for a living room?
160 x 230 cm for most rooms. Go up to 200 x 290 cm if you want all the sofa’s front legs to sit on the rug.
Shop the guide
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Atlas Shaggy Rug in Emerald Green
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Atlas Shaggy Rug in Gunmetal Grey
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Shop all 160 x 230 cm rugs (160x230cm)
-
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Emerald Green
from £59.98
-
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Gunmetal Grey
from £59.98
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Atlas Shaggy Rug in Ivory Cream
from £59.98
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Atlas Shaggy Rug in Natural
from £59.98
Related guides
- How to choose a rug for a living room
- Bedroom rug guide: size and placement
- Rugs under a dining table: size, shape and material
- Hallway runner size guide
- Rug sizes in cm and feet: conversion chart
- All rug guides
Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.